Success Factors of Minimalist and Entrepreneurial Information System Development Consultancies: Perspectives From Company Founders

New types of information system development (ISD) consultancies adopting entrepreneurial and minimalist characteristics have emerged, particularly in the Nordic countries. This study explores these companies’ success factors through interviews with eight founders/partners. Using the Gioia method, we connect the findings to three aggregate themes: (1) value proposition for the workforce, (2) value proposition for the customers, and (3) accelerators of growth and scaling. The findings include various, often intertwined, dynamics and elements contributing to the success of the companies over incumbents that go beyond the elements of minimalism and entrepreneurial aspects. We demonstrate that there is diversity among this seemingly homogeneous group of companies but that a key driver behind their success revolves around attracting and offering senior expert workers. Finally, we show how these recent developments have disrupted the working arrangements within the ISD consultancy business, particularly among small and mid-sized companies.